§ 19. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Air whether, seeing that the House is to adjourn for three months, he can state if his Department will have the necessary funds to enable it to give orders to aeroplane and engine mauu- 668 facturers, and so enable those selected to keep their works going and their staffs together during the period until the House meets again?
Captain GUESTI fear I am not yet in a position to make any statement such as that suggested by my hon. Friend, nor can I promise to make an announcement on this subject before the House rises. The possibility of giving further orders to the aircraft industry beyond those already budgeted depends upon the decisions of the Committee of Imperial Defence.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the necessity for doing something in this matter? Is he in a position, the money having been already voted, to do something before the House rises?